Mayoral Report September 2007
The WB Wetlands has been a positive for Council as an opportunity to
display the success of an innovative infrastructure project and a
magnificent environmental site.
In partnership with Brunswick Valley Landcare and Byron Bird Buddies,
Council organised a day of celebration for the beginning of the migratory
bird session. It was a fantastic day of walks, talks and information and
the opening of the very newly completed bird hide.
The hide is a great asset to the shire creating a wonderful opportunity for bird lovers to observe the many birds (over 200) that have been recorded at the site. Council staff are to be congratulated for their resourcefulness in using recycled materials to construct the hide. The day provided walks, talks and information stalls for council and local environmental groups and attracted over 100 people. The trial of an access permit to the site is a great initiative that was well received and sees the site being opened up to the public for the appreciation of its conservation values.
The Byron Bird Buddies – www.byronbirdbuddies.com.au.
& the Brunswick Valley Landcare group http://www.brunswickvalleylandcare.org.au
are part of the fantastic volunteer spirit in our community that deserve ongoing support.
Cross Border Climate Change Roundtable – Qld Parliament House
The initiative for a cross border roundtable on climate change organised by the Ethos Foundation and supported by local consultants, Geolink saw Cr Westheimer, Director of Planning, Ray Darney and myself travel to Brisbane to take part in a day of presentations and discussion on climate change. Many locals who are addressing climate change issues in the community also attended. The forum was fortunate to hear from internationally acclaimed speaker and author, Thomas Homer-Dixon as well as a variety of speakers who gave presentations from business, government and community perspectives. Young people who had received sponsorship through the Ethos Foundation also attended the day and were able to share their views. This was a highlight for me, to hear the concerns and the initiatives that are being undertaken by young people.
It is vital that this issue is considered at all levels of society and the day highlighted the need for partnership. The recognition of the regional issue that defies borders was an important aspect. Despite being in different states, we are in the same region and the southern Qld and northern NSW areas are subject to similar consequences and therefore it makes sense to work together.
Fatherhood Festival
This years Fatherhood Festival was the forth annual event and again a great success. The weekend provided information and fun and focussed on the importance of family and community as well as fatherhood.
On Saturday I was asked to take part in a panel session entitled “Sex and What we Teach our Children”. The Men from Uncle led panel participants through a quiz show type format of different issues that confront young people and adults when dealing with sensitive issues surrounding relationships. A series of roundtable discussions then allowed participation from a group of 100 audience who raised issues and discussion points around the topic.
On Sunday I launched National Child Protection in conjunction with the NAPCAN representative. The organisation has launched a program “Child Friendly Streets” that encourages community members to take initiatives to make communities safer and resilient with a focus on children. This is a program that deserves support and encouragement in our community.
To view the Ten Steps to Help Make Your Street Child Friendly visit www.childfriendly.org.au
www.napcan.org.au
Wilsons Creek Primary School Principal Citizenship
A request to perform a citizenship for the Principal of Wilsons Creek Primary School was something different from the usual. Simon Cook wanted his pupils to share in his experience and in doing so learn about the concept..
The day before the students had attended the council as part of their education about Government and sat in on a council meeting as well as receiving a presentation on council’s role.
The ceremony was conducted outdoors and featured speeches from students about what it meant to be Australian. I also made presentations to students for their achievements.
The citizenship ceremony provided a focus for discussion about rights and responsibilities and the children also took the opportunity to ask questions about the council meeting. The teachers told me that the visit to council had made a great impression on the students, they were impressed with the discussions of councillors and the understanding they received about how decisions are made.
Mr Cook received his citizenship after being a resident for 22 years and there was a bit of fun in the presentation to him of very Australian items eg. Thongs, flags and stubbie holder and afterwards lamingtons were made available for all to enjoy.
I then performed a formal citizenship back at the Council Chambers for 16 people.
Northern Rivers Tourism
With the ongoing review of the role of NRT has been an initiative to hire a CEO. This process has been undertaken and the position has now been filled by a very experienced person who will commence work in the region in the new year. The review has also seen some changes in the structure and reconsideration of how the NRT operates in the region. The board has been undertaking discussions on setting priority objectives to work toward a sustainable approach to tourism management in the region.
September
1 – Fatherhood Festival – Panel discussion
2 – Launch of NAPCAN , Child Protection Week
3 – Arts NR meeting – Ballina
- Cultural Plan sub ctee
- Affordable Housing ctee
5 – Meeting with young designer – Bobby K
- NYE meeting
6 – Farmers Market – North – meeting
- Get Rocked
- Byron United – Light Up meeting
- YAC – Girls weaving session
7 – NRT meeting
10- Library Ctee
- Get Rocked
9 /10 – Yelgun festival DA assessment
12 – ORDINARY Planning meeting
13 – Bangalow Heritage House visit
- Cape Byron Trust
